Blessings & Reflections

May 15, 2012 - My 25th birthday begins with 2 surprises just shy of midnight.  A video message and a lovely song show up in my inbox, as well as something I had my eyes on is discovered hidden in my room drawer.  In the afternoon, another personal feat is challenged with successful results.  This is followed by dinner with my family with my favourite foods and easy-going conversations around the table.  At home, Jacqueline's boyfriend requests to end work early to come celebrate with me.  He tells me of a big present downstairs, prepared by himself and my out of town boyfriend.  Half-believing and half-suspicious, I cautiously walk down the steps and peak out from around the corner... nothing.  That is until I hear a creak rip from the basement floor which usually occurs when someone shifts weight.  Another surprise!  My friends, who have become my family, all stand around smiling and singing, as I sense continuous waves of gratefulness washing over me.  I have been blessed immensely with an extremely supportive family, an amazing bunch of close-knit friends, and a loving boyfriend who goes that extra mile to make me happy.  I woke up with a smile on my face and a thankful heart.

There will be several significant changes that will be happening in a few months; most notably, close loved ones whom will be taking on new adventures a couple thousand miles away.  It's starting to sink in, we're all moving forward yet in different directions.  I guess my 25th year resolution turned out to be quite fitting especially with all these changes - I'm gonna have to grow up this year.  From smaller things like driving myself around to bigger ones like taking on new responsibilities.  Despite this, I refuse to stress out and worry about the future and my past/current troubles.  I'm encouraged by Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." And more importantly, vv 12-14a: "Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity".  This may just become my 25 year old passage!